When Lieutenant James Long entered the Ott Cribbs Public Safety Building this morning, he was greeted by a celebration in recognition of his 20 years of volunteer service to Arlington.

It was July 19, 1992 when Long retired from the Arlington Police Department after 38 years of service. One day later, he began volunteering and has continued to do so every year since retirement. He has served as a reserve officer and works with new police recruits during scenario training.

Long, who is age 79, is also an active member of the Arlington Citizens Police Academy, helps to fundraise for the department and volunteers with the Mansfield Police Department near his south Arlington home.

Every Wednesday and Friday morning, you can find him assisting customers on the phone and in person at the Front Desk of the main station on Division Street.

"I recognized the work demands of the Front Desk Officer and decided to help out there," he said Thursday as fellow officers and volunteers stopped by the Media Office to celebrate with him.

"I'm not working," the retired National Army Guard commander said. "I enjoy being around the people who have meant so much to me. I get to repay Arlington for all it has done for me."

APD Police ID #004

In 1954, Lt. Long started his career with APD as one of only about 10 officers. His police ID number was 004. Ott Cribbs was the Police Chief, Tom Vandergriff was the mayor, and Arlington had less than 10,000 residents.

"I think the biggest change I've seen since then is just how much this city's population has grown," he said. "The department has grown, the number of businesses has grown. We didn't have the Rangers and the Cowboys."

Today, Arlington has nearly 370,000 residents, nearly 600 officers, and volunteers like Lt. James Long who keep coming back to make a difference.

"Arlington is a better city today because of dedicated volunteers like Lt. James Long," said Sgt. Curtis Petties who oversees the department's Citizens Assisting Police volunteer program. "We appreciate his passion and his legacy of service."

by Cheryel Carpenter